Best Company Question

Good Afternoon Folks,

I am in the process of getting my CDL through a private school, and was wondering what would be the best company to go to with a terminal near NY? Through my research, I am not finding many companies with an OC or training center near NY.

I don't have a problem going away to train, but if I can stay close, I would rather do that since I have a family.

Thank you in advance.

Best, Evan

Hi. You usually don't need a terminal near your home to work at a company. Some company training like Prime entails actually going OTR right after orientation, so you drive coast to coast. You basically get thrown into the lifestyle right away.

Others might do classroom training first, but if you are getting into trucking, you will most likely do OTR for a year unless you find a regional position. Many companies offer Northeast regional and the pay is better but it can be harder for a rookie for many reasons.

Pretty much resign yourself to being away from family 1-3 months initially. Not saying you won't get a chance to go home during training; however, I wouldn't make plans on it. Other than your week for orientation and final processing after training, you will probably not be at a terminal. Although having a terminal near your home can be a luxury, it is far from required. This can be a very tough lifestyle to adjust to. Just remember to keep your eye on the prize. Successful completion of your rookie year. After your first year many opportunities will open up to do what you want to do. The first year is all about getting experience, sacrifice, and paying your dues. How well that first year goes is entirely up to you.

Drive Safe and God Speed

Thank you Rainy D.

I already told my lady that I won't be here for a few months due to being OTR. She seems to be finally preparing herself mentally. I also told her I will save up three months worth of rent so she doesn't have to worry about. Just tired of the 9-5 job. Being from NYC you kind of grow tired of being around people. I'm a Virgo, so I really enjoy my alone time. Figure trucking would be the perfect job for that.

Thank you again.

Hi. You usually don't need a terminal near your home to work at a company. Some company training like Prime entails actually going OTR right after orientation, so you drive coast to coast. You basically get thrown into the lifestyle right away.

Others might do classroom training first, but if you are getting into trucking, you will most likely do OTR for a year unless you find a regional position. Many companies offer Northeast regional and the pay is better but it can be harder for a rookie for many reasons.

Hey Partick.

Thank you fro the input. I feel my lady is mentally preparing herself for me being away for a bit. I think she's finally starting to see the bigger picture of it. We want to move out of NYC for many reasons, and I feel trucking will provide that. I am just ready for change man. Coming on this site and watching Youtube videos is really preparing me mentally some what.

I appreciate the input.

Thank you again.

Pretty much resign yourself to being away from family 1-3 months initially. Not saying you won't get a chance to go home during training; however, I wouldn't make plans on it. Other than your week for orientation and final processing after training, you will probably not be at a terminal. Although having a terminal near your home can be a luxury, it is far from required. This can be a very tough lifestyle to adjust to. Just remember to keep your eye on the prize. Successful completion of your rookie year. After your first year many opportunities will open up to do what you want to do. The first year is all about getting experience, sacrifice, and paying your dues. How well that first year goes is entirely up to you.

Drive Safe and God Speed

I'm from NJ and once you get OTR you will see tons of places with such a low cost of living you will want to get out.

Heck...take her with h you, get rid of the apartmeny and cut the overhead. I live on my truck and pocket a bunch of savings ;)

I wish I could man. We're about to have our second child, so I doubt that will happen. All I've been doing is research on companies. I see Schneider has a training center in PA. But, I still have a lot of time to decide which company I would like to go with. We shall see what happens. I know by next year I want to be heading out to training though.

I'm from NJ and once you get OTR you will see tons of places with such a low cost of living you will want to get out.

Heck...take her with h you, get rid of the apartmeny and cut the overhead. I live on my truck and pocket a bunch of savings ;)

Don't worry about what is near you as far as training facilities and terminals. You won't be at one long enough to make much difference. As you have already stated you are going to go to a private school to get your CDL. The only thing you are going to do at a terminal is orientation week and final processing to go solo. The rest of the time you will be out on the road. This isn't like a local job, or the '9-5' type jobs you are used to. Your truck IS your workplace and your home. You can go months without going near a terminal. Unless I need to go by my companies terminal for something, I don't make a habit of going there.

Thanks a lot man.

I am super hyped to do something different. Really tired of the self entitlement of the people and field I work it. I've been battling with finding something that I do not mind doing until I retire, and it feels really good knowing that I've found it.

Don't worry about what is near you as far as training facilities and terminals. You won't be at one long enough to make much difference. As you have already stated you are going to go to a private school to get your CDL. The only thing you are going to do at a terminal is orientation week and final processing to go solo. The rest of the time you will be out on the road. This isn't like a local job, or the '9-5' type jobs you are used to. Your truck IS your workplace and your home. You can go months without going near a terminal. Unless I need to go by my companies terminal for something, I don't make a habit of going there.

No worries, there are just a lot of new people who get all worried about if there is a terminal that will be near them. Don't be. A drop yard would be far more worthwhile to look into. The company I work for has a single terminal. It is in Amherst, WI. I live in Clarksville, TN. In Clarksville we do have a receiver we deliver to routinely as well as a drop yard. Since the drop yard is next to the industrial park, I will park my truck there after delivering. I live on the opposite side of town and it is a good 30 min drive. If I have a load that I am taking home to sit on for home time then I park at the WalMart near my house. If I am bobtailing in, then I park my truck at my home.

Actually having a terminal near you can be counter productive. The company may want you to park the truck at the terminal during home time. What if it is a 90 min drive away? The only real advantage is if you have minor maintenance that needs done, you can get it done during home time.

I hope this helps.